Sailor's Weather Tips for the Kapiti Area
Following is a brief description of the weather characteristics in the Paraparaumu Beach area during
the summer sailing season.
North / North-West Winds
This is the prevailing wind direction in spring and summer. In light settled
conditions the sky is usually clear. Cloud can be seen to the far west over
the northern hills of the Marlborough Sounds. As the wind freshens,
clouds form over Kapiti Island and roll ashore. The beach area is in the
lee of the island and the sea is slight in NW winds, and moderate in true
northerly conditions. The water is bright blue and sparkling, and conditions
are perfect for dinghy sailing.
Sea conditions in Rauoterangi Channel are affected by the tidal flow, easing significantly as the
southerly ebb begins.
Strengthening winds from this quarter usually indicate an approaching front. Skies become cloudy to
overcast with high cloud thickening first, followed by low cloud and rain. The wind can become very
gusty in the lee of Kapiti, and dangerous to small yachts. Swirling wind eddies lifting water spouts in
the channel are a warning of severe gusts approaching. Small yachts should remove all sail in these
conditions and run for the Raumati shore. In winds over 30 knots the launching and retrieval of boats
from Paraparaumu Beach becomes impossible. As the front passes the wind decreases and swings
to the south-west, and the skies clear.
Sometimes a tropical cyclone will track south over the Tasman Sea to the west of Kapiti. These rare
storms bring severe northerly gales and high seas which, when associated with a high tide, cause
erosion damage along the beach-front. It is worth experiencing these days from the Club Watchtower,
not from the water!
West / South-West Winds
The summer sea breeze comes from this quarter. The wind is steady and light to moderate near the
beach, and swings to the south and dies away quickly at sunset. Skies are usually clear or cloudy.
The sea is slight, increasing somewhat as you sail south, out of the lee of Kapiti.
Strong winds from this quarter follow a cold front or are associated with a storm to the east of the
South Island. In these conditions the weather is cold, cloudy and wet. The area is exposed to these
winds, making it unsuitable for small boat sailing.
South / South-East Winds
In light conditions the skies are brilliantly clear, although you can sometimes see cloud banks out to
sea or far to the north. The wind is light and variable, with wide changes of direction. The sea is slight
or smooth.
In strong south and south-east conditions the weather in Wellington city is very unpleasant and sailing
there is cancelled, while at Kapiti it is usually fine but blustery, sometimes with occasional showers,
and sailing is often quite manageable. Seas are slight inshore, but build up as you sail away from the
beach. The wind swirling off the shore creates big shifts and gusts hit without much warning, making
sailing tricky. In the event of a capsize the drift is offshore. It is best to sail with rescue boat cover in
these conditions.
East / North East Winds
Winds from this quarter are uncommon at Kapiti. In light conditions skies are usually clear, but a buildup of clouds can be seen over the inland hills. Seas are smooth. A light breeze will often fill in from
the north east in the morning before settling to a true northerly or north-west direction.
Strong easterlies and overcast skies are sometimes associated with an approaching tropical cyclone
to the north. These storms are closely tracked and forecast well in advance.